This week I sat down with Devin C. Hughes—author, speaker, and happiness advocate who knows that joy isn't luck, it's practice. We dove deep into his raw memoir Contrast: A Biracial Man's Journey To Desegregate His Past and why feeling like "the other" can become your superpower.

Devin breaks down how he transforms toxic workplace cultures and why "happiness hygiene" isn't woo-woo—it's survival. We talked about breaking generational cycles, raising kids who trust you with their truth, and why he's writing children's books to plant self-worth in young minds.

👉🏾 Ready to ditch survival mode for intentional joy? This conversation will shift how you show up in the world.

This week on the Shaping Freedom podcast, I spoke with Baratunde Thurston—Emmy-nominated host of America Outdoors on PBS, bestselling author, and fearless cultural critic—about why true freedom lives in embracing your flaws, not hiding them. We unpacked how vulnerability fuels real strength and why showing up authentically is the boldest move you can make.

This week on the Shaping Freedom podcast, I sat down with Dr. Napatia T. Gettings to talk about why brain health—not just talk therapy—is the real foundation for emotional intelligence. We covered everything from sleep and screen time to how we model regulation through our own choices.

We often think boundaries are about what we say to others—but what about the voice in your own head? In this soul-stirring episode Carmella Johnson reminds us that true healing starts internally. You can demand respect from others, but if you’re speaking to yourself with shame, doubt, or self-criticism, the cycle won’t break.

Recording the 100th episode of the Shaping Freedom® podcast wasn’t just a milestone—it was a moment of truth. Sitting down with longtime collaborators Billy Johnson Jr. and Ryan Tillotson, I found myself reflecting on everything this show has taught me: about vulnerability, alignment, and the quiet courage it takes to be fully seen.

In this episode, I sit down with Alexis Rodriguez, Shannon Morrison, and Lakeysha Sowunmi of Community HousingWorks to explore how stable housing, paired with support, transforms lives — from financial wellness to youth leadership.

In this episode, I sit down with Alexis Rodriguez, Shannon Morrison, and Lakeysha Sowunmi of Community HousingWorks to explore how stable housing, paired with support, transforms lives — from financial wellness to youth leadership.

In this episode, I sit down with Denita Austin—a bestselling author and former NASA professional who had all the markers of success… but still felt something wasn’t right. We talk about what it means to do everything “right” and still feel wrong inside.

Some stories don’t need a spotlight to be powerful—they just need a safe space to be heard.

In this week’s episode, I sat down with Eboné Almon, creator of The Professional Homegirl podcast, for a real conversation about truth, grief, and the quiet power of showing up for yourself.

What does it really take to break free from limiting beliefs and live with intention?

In this episode, Josiah and Kofi sit down for a real and reflective conversation on personal growth, self-awareness, and transformation. They unpack what it means to live authentically and choose purpose over fear.

We talk about the mindset shifts that create lasting change, how to confront the stories that hold you back, and the daily practices that support a more liberated life. Josiah and Kofi bring sharp insight, grounded wisdom, and honest reflections on the path to freedom.

This episode is a call to stop performing and start aligning. It’s the kind of conversation that stays with you—and pushes you to live your truth a little louder.

In this empowering episode of Shaping Freedom, host Lisane Basquiat welcomes etiquette expert, entrepreneur, and media personality Elaine Swann for an authentic and deeply resonant conversation. Elaine opens up about her journey from a young girl growing up with a strong family foundation to becoming a pioneer in the modern etiquette space. Together, they explore the power of boundaries, the evolution of self-trust, and the role of discipline and faith in building a fulfilling life. With humor and candor, Elaine shares the behind-the-scenes truths of entrepreneurship, the strength it takes to pivot, and the clarity that comes from honoring your values. This episode is a masterclass in shaping a life and business rooted in purpose and self-respect.

Live from the Baltimore Story Fest, Ansa Edim shares how storytelling helped her reclaim her voice after a divorce, explores personal freedom, and builds a life in fun, truth, and agency.

In this soul-stirring episode of Shaping Freedom, I sit down with youth pastor, leader, and advocate Antoine Garrett for a conversation about what it truly means to lead with heart.

In this powerful episode of Shaping Freedom, we sit down with Nichole MacDonald — entrepreneur, community builder, and visionary — as she shares how she transformed her brand into not just a business, but a movement and a thriving community.

The NBA, NFL, NHL, or any other sports league is a place of glory, success, masculinity. So how does a sports star cope with their own sense of identity when things suddenly fall apart?  This week on the Shaping Freedom Podcast with Lisane Basquiat, we’re exploring what it means to lose your identity—and rebuild it with purpose.

This week, Lisane Basquiat sits down with award-winning actor, playwright, and director Edwin Lee Gibson—best known for his role as Ebraheim in FX’s The Bear. Together, they dive into the deep connection between storytellers and their craft, exploring how personal truth, resilience, and artistic integrity...

The art world is filled with biases, opinions, and social messages that strike at the heart of what artists create. The problem is that within this world is that the patrons of the art rarely want the messages of injustice, violence, and a need for change. 

This week on Shaping Freedom with Lisane Basquiat, Lisane welcomes Dr. Mary Anderson, a clinical psychologist with experience at Harvard Medical School and Boston University, and author of The Happy Achiever: Eight Essentials to Overcome Anxiety and Manage Stress.

This week on Shaping Freedom, we take on one of life’s biggest—and most relentless—questions: Who am I? It’s a question we struggle to answer for ourselves, while the world rushes to decide for us.

Sleep is one of the most important acts of self-care. Yet so many of us struggle with it. Late-night scrolling, caffeine, alcohol and even the comforting hum of a sitcom playing in the background can all disrupt our rest. So what’s the solution?